4

FOUR MONTHS LATER

" Uhm... Miss Julian. Here are the results. I uh... I am sorry to say that you are in a very delicate situation. Your baby is growing inside of you abnormally. I will advise you to visit the Ashju Facility in New York. There is a scientist there who specializes in a rare situation like this one. Thank you so much, " The doctor said to the lady before him, expecting an answer, but none came through.

Julian didn't speak a word as she rose to her feet and headed out, her palm on her flat belly. The reports have been all the same. No Doctors could pinpoint her illness. They'd only say her baby is growing abnormally and then urge her to visit Ashju Facility, to visit a scientist who is the best in curing the rarest disease.

How could they direct me to the very demon who did this to me? How could they?

With her pale lips, she left the hospital and walked to the car, which was waiting for her. The journey back home begins, giving her time to reflect on her actions.

Four months have passed by, which means she was supposed to feel the baby's bumps or experience any sign of pregnancy, but none has come through. Instead, it was her legs that kept on swelling. She wonders what has become of her. She couldn't pinpoint why her baby would be growing up in her abnormal way. Her mother never told her she had a hard time when giving birth to her. Why, then, was her own different? Why is fate so cruel to her?

Julian didn't find an answer to her questions till the car pulled into the small bungalow and stopped right before it. She alighted carefully to see a car parked in the garage.

Slowly, She looked up towards the house, wondering why Donny had visited after he told her the day before he'd be filming a commercial in Moscow.

Hurriedly, he walks into the House to see the man leaning on the counter, drinking a glass cup of water.

" Donny? Why are you back so quickly? Didn't you say you'd be filming a commercial in Moscow? " She asked gleefully to see him

" You went to another hospital today, Ju. What is the doctor's response? " He asked instead, ignoring her questions as he turned to settle his eyes on her.

The lady shrugged her shoulder and smiled as usual.

" The same story, but I will do another research for other hospitals around here. They will know what ... "

" They won't... Ju " Donny cut in softly. His eyes, which were usually filled with hope, were empty this time. Julian felt the difference in him but she couldn't understand at first.

" What are you talking about? I am close to finding the cure. It's a common illness. I think I will go out of Baltimore this time "

" Why? " He asked, making Julian to frown.

" Why what? "

" Why other hospital? Why not your ex-husband's facility? "

Upon hearing this suggestion, Julian's face creased up in a frown.

" I will pretend I didn't hear that, Donny. Now tell me, why didn't you go to Moscow? Why are you here against your schedule? "

" Because I am sick and worried about you. It was as though I felt the result would be the same as before. Ju, you have visited hundreds of hospitals wide and near for cure, and each time, they directed you to that one person. Why ... Why can't you go there? Why don't you go to Asher? This baby in question is his too. He has to foot the responsibility and ... "

" You, of all people, know the reason why I can't go to Asher," She retorted swiftly, her eyes gradually going red with tears. " I won't go to that man for help, Donny. Over my dead body "

" Ju ... "

" Can we talk about something else? How about I make you lunch? Or early dinner. It's already evening "

Julian made to walk into the kitchen, but Donny stopped her with the bombshell.

" I have called Asher and he is on his way here, Ju. Be ready "

She flinched upon hearing these words. Of course, she wouldn't believe her ears.

" You are kidding, right? " She chuckled. " Funny. I know you hated Asher more than I do "

" I hated him more than you can ever imagine, and going to him for help is the last thing I wanted, but for you and this baby inside you, I will Ju... I can even lick his boots. Damn, you have to live. The last time I called upon a specialist to come check on you here did you remember what he said? He said you won't survive another month without help. I am scared, Ju. I can't let you die even if it means you'd never speak to me forever "

Barely a second after Donny finished his words, the sound of a car stopping at the building was heard. What comes is the undeniable scent of Asher's cologne. The very one that reminded Julian of so many things, including the saddest dark memories he had had given.

The door opened and at last, Asher bursted into the very living room. His Brown eyes darted around for a few seconds before falling on the woman who he knew so well he had done wrong in so many ways.

Slowly, he allowed his eyes to trail her body, to her swollen feet, and finally back to her pale face.

What have I done? He thought to himself inwardly.

" Julian... " He called abruptly and made his way to her hurriedly, but she took a step back, in horror at his sight.

" Stay away from me, you Animal! " She glared at him, the man who had made her the way she was, but Asher didn't obey. Instead, he walked ahead to her and forced her into his embrace. He didn't only hug her but also injected her with a sedative that put her to sleep in his arms.

This time around, Donny didn't come to Julian's rescue. He looked away, telling himself he had done well. He had done as he was supposed to.

Asher, on the other hand, took his ex-wife in his arms, still in horror at her state. He couldn't believe what his wrath had done to her. Tears couldn't be shed but promise can be made.

" I will never you again, Julian. Never again "